ODM politics: Exit Baba enter Babu?
By Mwangi MuiruriEmbakasi East MP Paul Ongili, who is popularly referred to as Babu Owino in political and social circles, insists he is best placed to succeed Baba (Raila Odinga) within the Orange Democratic Movement. (ODM) party.
The vocal lawmaker further explained that his mum named him Babu because he was considered wise in his household.
“When Baba goes to the Africa Union Commission (AUC) the replacement is Babu…Baba and Babu you know…” he said while addressing a gathering at a funeral in Nyeri County.
Amid big applause when he was introduced, Babu started off by speaking in fluent Gikuyu and introduced himself as an in law Central region.
More applause followed when he recognised the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua by his moniker—Riggy G.
The lawmaker said he has two master’s degrees, two undergraduate degrees, and seven diplomas.
To Nairobi Senator Mr Edwin Sifuna who had earlier described himself as a member of the Luhya community that has ‘big everything’, Babu recognised him as “also Secretary General of the biggest party in the country—ODM”.
He quoted the contents Mathew 11:28 of the Bible and Genesis 3:19 saying “since I left alcoholism I have become very ‘dangerous’ on matters Biblical”.
As his parting shot, he addressed Riggy G thus: “you know Baba is going to AU to be the chairperson na baba akienda, anawacha babu kwa hivyo Bw Riggy G mjichunge sana hapo 2027 sababu tutakujia hizo viti (be wary that in 2027 we will be contesting against you)”.
He warned Riggy G that “should you continue to overtax Kenyans I will personally bring maandamano (protests) here in Nyeri…if tea, coffee…earnings keep on falling, I will bring the protests here”.
Riggy G in his lowest level of accommodating the jocular nature of Babu told him off saying “protests, destroying other people’s property, throwing stones, forcing business closure is not part of Central regions’ character”.
The possible departure of Mr Odinga from local politics has opened up speculation over his successor, with Kalonzo Musyoka primed to take over the role of Official leader of the opposition.
Within ODM, Former Governors Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, lawmakers Opiyo Wandayi, Babu Owino and John Mbadi have been mentioned as possible successors.
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